Avail before it ends: Free UAE visa for children

As a gesture to attract more tourists to the emirates, the authorities had launched a scheme of waiving visa fees for child tourists under 18 years of age, given that they will be accompanied by a parent.

The offer can be availed for children accompanied by their parents irrespective of the validity of the visa, be it a short or long-term visa.

The scheme which came into force on July 15, will be ending on September 15.

It became a source to bring more tourists as it saved money and encouraged people to choose the UAE as a tourist destination.

For most people, the Emirates means just one place: Dubai, the sci-fi-esque city of iconic skyscrapers, palm-shaped islands, city-sized malls, indoor ski slopes and palatial beach resorts. But beyond the glitter awaits a diverse mosaic of six more emirates, each with its own character and allure.

Oil-rich Abu Dhabi, the UAE’s capital, is positioning itself as a culture and leisure hub. Beyond looms the vast Al Dhafra region, home to the northern reaches of the Rub Al Khali (Empty Quarter) desert’s rippling dunes. Its magical silence is interrupted only by the whisper of shifting sands rolling towards Saudi Arabia.

North of Dubai, Sharjah is the UAE’s art and heritage centre while Ras Al Khaimah is all about the beach – with a dash of adventure-activities thrown in. Head east into the jagged embrace of the Hajar Mountains to experience a side of the UAE far removed from Dubai’s gloss.